Nematode infestation in ornamental crops affects the quantity and quality of
flower yield, reducing flower size, total flower number, and the productive life of the
plant. The most devastating nematode genera affecting ornamental crops are root-knot
nematode, Meloidogyne species; foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides species; stem and
bulb nematode, Ditylenchus species and root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus species.
Nematode management in ornamental plants is difficult for many reasons, but
practising nematode-free planting material, using cultural methods like a nursery or
field cleanliness and application of nematicides can reduce the nematode populations.
Hot water treatment of planting material is effective in eliminating nematode infection
in vegetatively propagative materials. The use of resistant cultivars and biocontrol
agents may also limit nematode damage in the plants. In this chapter, the problem of
nematodes in important ornamental plants viz., Chrysanthemum, tuberose, crossandra,
orchid, anthurium, gladiolus, gerbera, jasmine, lilies, narcissus, tulip and hyacinth are
described, and information on general approaches of nematode management are
discussed.
Keywords: Chrysanthemum, Ditylenchus spp., Economic importance, Gladiolus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus spp.
